1910s Unit Introduction

The lessons in this set are meant to supplement a World War I unit for secondary grades. The following lesson plans are based around documents found at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia located at the University of Missouri-Columbia. While copies of the manuscripts are provided in the packet, originals of the documents may be viewed at the reading room of the WHMC-Columbia. Collections are also available via courier services in the WHMC reading rooms at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Rolla, and St. Louis. In addition, the Robert Kirk Brady Letters (C 77) may also be viewed via microfilm through inter-library loan at many public libraries.

These manuscripts are exceedingly helpful for providing depth in the study of history. However, some of the lessons may require additional information from textbooks and lectures for summary, background, and scope. The four topics in this unit have been chosen to demonstrate the important political and social changes that occurred during the 1910s.

World War I is by far the most significant event during the decade. The war saw the introduction of new weapons of war including chemical warfare, machine guns, and tanks. In addition, the tremendous loss of life and scope of the conflict was unparalleled at that time. Documents from soldiers in the war provide valuable insight into the mind of a soldier, first-hand account of battles, and horrific descriptions of the casualties of war. The war also greatly impacted life in America before, during, and after the fighting took place.

"The Noble Experiment" of prohibition, while not ratified until 1920, can best be understood as the final product of the temperance movement, which gained full strength during the 1910s. The prohibition lesson plan looks at the temperance movement in Missouri, and examines the constitutional amendment question.

Finally, the women's suffrage movement is another milestone in US history. The suffrage movement lasted for over 60 years and began in Missouri in 1867 with the foundation of the Women's Suffrage Association of Missouri. The movement ended with the ratification of the 19th amendment. A glimpse at the rhetoric of the time provides insight into the foundational step to the modern movement for women's right.

Topics

Click on the title of the lesson to be taken to the html version of the document. Clicking on the pdf files will enable downloading of the entire lesson with documents. Please note that many of the images are of lower quality than the pdfs. For best quality viewing, make sure to download the pdf files.